3D Modeling & CAD for Motorsport: Step 5 - Post Processing
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Step 5 - Post Processing
03.03
| 00:00 | - With our designs modelled in CAD, analysed, optimised and prototypes produced and tested, we're now ready to move towards manufacturing. |
| 00:09 | Like most steps in this process, this phase can also involve a lot of different options depending on the nature of the part and the manufacturing method that will be used to produce it. |
| 00:20 | When outsourcing production for parts that are going to be made by hand using traditional fabrication techniques like cutting and welding, a technical drawing is going to be required. |
| 00:31 | This will provide all the information the manufacturer will need to accurately produce our design. |
| 00:37 | In addition to this, we also want to include any critical factors like dimensions or finishes for example that need to be checked on the finished product. |
| 00:47 | Having our designs modelled in CAD makes generating technical drawings really easy but we need to be careful with how we illustrate information to make sure it's as clear as possible while covering everything required. |
| 01:00 | For parts that are going to be produced using CNC machines, we'll need to export files from our CAD software in a suitable format for the design type and manufacturing method and provide these to the manufacturer. |
| 01:15 | For 2D cutting operations like laser or waterjet cutting for sheet metal parts, we'd usually provide a DXF file. |
| 01:23 | For 3D machining methods like milling and turning, we'd generally use step files and for additive manufacturing, like 3D printing, we need to export a mesh file which is generally an STL file. |
| 01:36 | If you're unsure of what file format is required, it's best to ask the manufacturer what they need in order to produce the design accurately and efficiently. |
| 01:45 | There's still a need to technical drawings in most of these cases to either provide information on post processors like bending sheet metal parts as well as critical information that needs to be checked to make sure the final part is correct. |
| 02:01 | In the event that we have access to the machinery and have a sound understanding of the process, we can use CAM software or CAD software with CAM functionality such as Fusion 360, to produce tool paths in formats like G code that can be used by the CNC machine to produce our parts. |
| 02:19 | The reality is that not many people are going to have free reign over a CNC mill though but the same methodology also applies when making a final design via 3D printing. |
| 02:30 | Following our design being manufactured and titted to the vehicle, the process could be considered complete. |
| 02:37 | However in reality this works in more of a cycle, involving continuous testing and development of our designs, making iterative improvements to work towards an optimal solution. |
| 02:49 | As with most things in performance automotive and motorsport applications, progression is one of the most important factors to get the most out of our designs and ultimately the vehicles we're improving. |
